Podcasts about Arms control

French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would increase its nuclear arsenal is a major blow to non-proliferation efforts, but what does this new development mean for European and American security? Communications Associate and host Farah Sonde sat down with Marc Finaud, Senior Advisor and Associate Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy; Francesca Giovannini, Executive Director at the Project on Managing the Atom; and John Erath, Senior Policy Director at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, to discuss France's new approach to its nuclear arsenal, how it aligns with French tradition and how the United States should respond. Show Notes – Marc Finaud's op-ed on President Macron's speech - https://www.pressenza.com/2026/04/emmanuel-macrons-paradoxical-speech-on-nuclear-deterrence-a-step-back-and-a-wild-rush-forward/ The Initiatives for Nuclear Disarmament (IDN) Action Plan for the Non-Proliferation Treaty's Review Conference in April and May - https://www.abolition2000.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IDN-Action-Plan-2026_ENG.pdf

fWotD Episode 3308: Sally Ride Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Tuesday, 26 May 2026, is Sally Ride.Sally Kristen Ride (May 26, 1951 – July 23, 2012) was an American astronaut and physicist. Born in Los Angeles, she joined NASA in 1978, and in 1983 became the first American woman and the third woman to fly in space, after cosmonauts Valentina Tereshkova in 1963 and Svetlana Savitskaya in 1982. She was the youngest American astronaut to have flown in space, having done so at the age of 32.Ride was a graduate of Stanford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature in 1973, a Master of Science degree in 1975, and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1978 (both in physics) for research on the interaction of X-rays with the interstellar medium. She was selected as a mission specialist astronaut with NASA Astronaut Group 8, the first class of NASA astronauts to include women. After completing her training in 1979, she served as the ground-based capsule communicator (CapCom) for the second and third Space Shuttle flights, and helped develop the Space Shuttle's robotic arm. In June 1983, she flew in space on the Space Shuttle Challenger on the STS-7 mission. The mission deployed two communications satellites and the first Shuttle pallet satellite (SPAS-1). Ride operated the robotic arm to deploy and retrieve SPAS-1. Her second space flight was the STS-41-G mission in 1984, also on board Challenger. She spent a total of more than 343 hours in space. She left NASA in 1987.Ride worked for two years at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Arms Control, then at the University of California, San Diego, primarily researching nonlinear optics and Thomson scattering. She served on the committees that investigated the loss of Challenger and of Columbia, the only person to participate in both. Having been married to astronaut Steven Hawley during her spaceflight years and in a private, long-term relationship with former Women's Tennis Association player Tam O'Shaughnessy, she is the first astronaut known to have been LGBTQ, a fact that she hid until her death, when her obituary identified O'Shaughnessy as her partner of 27 years. She died of pancreatic cancer in 2012.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:13 UTC on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Sally Ride on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Joey.

Andrea Stricker examines the NPT review amidst Middle East conflict. She details friction between nuclear-armed states and those seeking peaceful enrichment, noting the lack of arms control dialogue between the U.S., Russia, and China. (5/16)1966 SWEDEN

In light of an increasingly volatile world order, the future of the European security architecture is back on the agenda and seems more pressing than at any point in recent history. After decades of reduced military spending across Europe, recent developments from Ukraine, over Greenland and from the Middle East as well as the rifts in the Transatlantic partnership have prompted European states to reassess their own vulnerabilities and defence capabilities. Germany's ambition to modernise its Armed Forces and to fully implement the so-called Zeitenwende can be described as the centrepiece of the efforts currently undertaken by governments inside and outside of the European Union. What is the German perspective on the future of the European security architecture? Which measures could and should be taken at EU level to complement national efforts? How can Europe position itself effectively in a “world on fire” and which role can militarily neutral states such as Ireland play in the bigger picture of European security? Roderich Kiesewetter has been Member of the German Bundestag since 2009 and is a former General Staff Officer of the Bundeswehr (Colonel GS, Federal Armed Forces). He currently serves on the Committee on Foreign Affairs. He is also a Substitute Member of the Subcommittee on Arms Control and Proliferation Control, Non-Proliferation, and International Disarmament as well as the Subcommittee on Crisis Prevention, Strategic Foresight, Stabilization, and Peacebuilding. Furthermore, he is the Vice-Chair of the Working Group on Foreign Relations of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group. As one of the CDU's most outspoken experts on security and defence policy, he is regularly quoted in newspapers and on national television. This event has been organised in conjunction with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung UK and Ireland.

Former senior national security official Frank Rose joins the conversation to examine the future of arms control, nuclear policy, and strategic stability in an increasingly complex global environment. Drawing on his extensive experience in arms control, missile defense, and nuclear security, Rose offers a candid assessment of how arms control must adapt to a world shaped by great‑power competition, emerging technologies, and evolving threats from China and other strategic competitors. He explores arms control not as an end in itself, but as a practical tool for managing risk to the United States and its allies. The discussion also takes a hard look at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)—its structure, mission, and strategic role—and considers whether organizational reform may be necessary to meet future nuclear security challenges. Rose addresses the technological pressures reshaping deterrence, the realities of stockpile stewardship, and why sustaining credibility may require difficult choices in the years ahead. Frank A. Rose is President of Chevalier Strategic Advisors, a strategic advisory firm focused on the intersection of geopolitics, national security, and defense technology. He advises companies, investors, and institutions on strategic risk, government engagement, and emerging defense and dual-use technologies.Previously, Rose served as Principal Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (2021–2024), where he helped oversee the U.S. nuclear security enterprise. He also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Defense Policy (2009–2017), leading U.S. policy on nuclear deterrence, arms control, missile defense, space security, and allied defense cooperation. Earlier in his career, he was a Professional Staff Member on the House Armed Services Committee and a policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Defense. Rose is a frequent commentator and author on national security and strategic technology issues, with appearances across major media outlets and policy forums. He holds a B.A. in History from American University and an M.A. from King's College London. Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to Kimberly@anwadeter.org

It's Monday, April 20th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Russia strikes Ukrainian Baptist church killing pastor at prayer meeting Russia struck a Baptist church in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia during a prayer meeting, killing at least one person, a minister, and injuring at least eight others, reports The Christian Post. The Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S. gave the casualty figures in a public statement issued while rescue workers were still on the scene, identifying the targeted building as The House of the Gospel Church, which had served the community for years, according to the Baptist Press. The embassy called the strike a deliberate attack on people of faith who had gathered peacefully to pray. Promoters of a documentary series entitled “A Faith Under Siege” on Russia's persecution of Christians, identified the man killed as Ruslan Utyuzh, a minister at the bombed church. Utyuzh is survived by his wife and two children. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Despite the attack, the congregation held services as normal the following morning with a large turnout, and 200 people came forward to be baptized. Iran reverses course on reopening Strait of Hormuz President Donald Trump said Iran "can't blackmail us" after the country announced they were reimposing restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning, reports Fox News. He added, "We have very good conversations going on. It's working out very well. They got a little cute, as they have been doing for 47 years, and nobody ever took them on. We took them on. They have no Navy. They have no Air Force. They have no leaders. They have no nothing. …  It is regime change." Despite Iran wanting to close the strait again, Trump said in the Oval Office that negotiations are "going actually along very well." Trump also cited how oil tankers are now coming to U.S. ports to fuel up, including in Texas and Louisiana. President Trump said, "We're taking a tough stand. They've killed a lot of people. A lot of our people have been killed. A lot of your fellow soldiers have been killed over the years by Iran.” He cited how he ordered the strike that killed Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, in January 2020. Trump described Soleimani as the "father of the roadside bomb." He explained, "When you see soldiers with no legs, with no arms or face that's been smashed, that was Soleimani, it was Iran that did that. So we have a much different view on it than other presidents. They've gotten away with murder for 47 years. They're not getting away with it anymore." While Iran wants to keep enriched uranium, Trump won't allow that Iran had sought an agreement allowing them to “down-blend” their enriched uranium. According to Axios, “A top priority for the Trump administration is ensuring Iran can't access the stockpile of nearly 4,400 pounds of enriched uranium buried in its underground nuclear facilities, in particular the 992 pounds enriched to 60% purity.” The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation noted that most commercial nuclear power plants use 3 to 5 percent enriched uranium compared to 90 percent enriched uranium for nuclear weapons. Before the outbreak of the war, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that in March, Iranian negotiators boasted to him that they had enough enriched uranium to build 11 nuclear weapons. He explained that the Iranian negotiators apparently said “they had the inalienable right to enrich all their nuclear fuel that they possessed. We, of course, responded that the president feels we have the inalienable right to stop you dead in your tracks.” The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz initiated last Monday was costing Iran up to $435 million a day, including $276 million in lost exports. The blockade, coupled with weeks of air strikes from the U.S. and Israel, which devastated Iran's steel and petrochemical facilities, has the country's economy on the brink of collapse. Homosexual “dads” mock their surrogate-born baby for crying “mama” A homosexual male couple has triggered outrage across the internet after posting a video of themselves mocking their surrogate-born baby for crying “mama,” reports LifeSiteNews.com. Country music singer and songwriter Shane McAnally, a homosexual, posted the video of his faux “husband” Michael Baum lying on a couch, playfully bouncing the baby on his stomach as he asks, “Who do you want, Dada or Pop?” BAUM: “Who do you want Dada or Pop?” BABY: “Mama, ma.” BAUM: “Do you want Dada or Pop?” BABY: (fusses) BAUM: “Who do you want? Dada or Pop?” BABY: “Mom.” BAUM: ”Nope. Do you want dada? You want pop? BABY: “Mom.” BAUM: “No way, Jose. There is no mama.” BABY: (starts crying) BAUM: “So sorry. You have Dada and Pop.” McANALLY: “Two choices.” BABY: (cries more) BAUM: “No Mama.” Oddly enough, they posted that video on line. Officials with Surrogacy Concern, an organization that seeks to end the evils of surrogacy, wondered, “Who films their child crying and uploads it to the internet? And who subjects a child to their pathetic vanity like this? Babies need their birth mothers.” And children's rights activist Chris Elston, better known as “Billboard Chris,” wrote, “These men laugh as the baby cries and says ‘ma ma ma.' They think it's funny because ‘there is no mama,' This baby was designed to never have a mother so that two men could satisfy their selfish desires. It's impossible for a normal person to watch this without instinctual disgust.” In Matthew 19:4-5, Jesus asked, ““Haven't you read, that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,' and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?” Anniversary of death of Martin Luther's aid who translated Bible And finally, on April 20, 1558, Johannes Bugenhagen, the prominent Lutheran reformer and pastor who helped Martin Luther translate the Bible, died. He said, ““The church is not a place but a people, gathered by the Word of God and sustained by faith.” Bugenhagen also explained that “True worship is not found in outward ceremonies, but in a heart that trusts in God's grace.” The Lutheran reformer introduced the Protestant Reformation in the Duchy of Pomerania and Denmark in the 16th century.  After the death of Luther in 1546, Bugenhagen kindly took care of Luther's widow, Katharina von Bora, and Luther's children. Proverbs 21:21 says, “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, April 20th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Why do adversaries sometimes cooperate to restrain their military competition? Why do they design arms control agreements with intrusive verification in some cases but rely on minimal transparency in others? Amidst ongoing international competition, arms control remains rare despite potential mutual benefits, and agreements vary dramatically in their approaches to monitoring. Enemies in Agreement: Political Volatility and the Design of Arms Control (Cambridge UP, 2026) reveals how uncertainty from domestic political changes, such as leadership transitions or social unrest, can enable arms control. The book identifies two paths to agreement: during periods of uncertainty, states that previously relied on informal understandings hedge by establishing lightly monitored agreements, while those that anticipated deception take calculated risks through agreements with intensive verification. Through comprehensive data analysis and rich case studies, Jane Vaynman challenges conventional wisdom about uncertainty in international relations while offering policymakers insights. As states confront challenges from nuclear competition to emerging technologies, understanding when arms control becomes viable is more vital than ever.Our guest is Professor Jane Vaynman, an Assistant Professor of Strategic Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Why do adversaries sometimes cooperate to restrain their military competition? Why do they design arms control agreements with intrusive verification in some cases but rely on minimal transparency in others? Amidst ongoing international competition, arms control remains rare despite potential mutual benefits, and agreements vary dramatically in their approaches to monitoring. Enemies in Agreement: Political Volatility and the Design of Arms Control (Cambridge UP, 2026) reveals how uncertainty from domestic political changes, such as leadership transitions or social unrest, can enable arms control. The book identifies two paths to agreement: during periods of uncertainty, states that previously relied on informal understandings hedge by establishing lightly monitored agreements, while those that anticipated deception take calculated risks through agreements with intensive verification. Through comprehensive data analysis and rich case studies, Jane Vaynman challenges conventional wisdom about uncertainty in international relations while offering policymakers insights. As states confront challenges from nuclear competition to emerging technologies, understanding when arms control becomes viable is more vital than ever.Our guest is Professor Jane Vaynman, an Assistant Professor of Strategic Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

Why do adversaries sometimes cooperate to restrain their military competition? Why do they design arms control agreements with intrusive verification in some cases but rely on minimal transparency in others? Amidst ongoing international competition, arms control remains rare despite potential mutual benefits, and agreements vary dramatically in their approaches to monitoring. Enemies in Agreement: Political Volatility and the Design of Arms Control (Cambridge UP, 2026) reveals how uncertainty from domestic political changes, such as leadership transitions or social unrest, can enable arms control. The book identifies two paths to agreement: during periods of uncertainty, states that previously relied on informal understandings hedge by establishing lightly monitored agreements, while those that anticipated deception take calculated risks through agreements with intensive verification. Through comprehensive data analysis and rich case studies, Jane Vaynman challenges conventional wisdom about uncertainty in international relations while offering policymakers insights. As states confront challenges from nuclear competition to emerging technologies, understanding when arms control becomes viable is more vital than ever.Our guest is Professor Jane Vaynman, an Assistant Professor of Strategic Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Why do adversaries sometimes cooperate to restrain their military competition? Why do they design arms control agreements with intrusive verification in some cases but rely on minimal transparency in others? Amidst ongoing international competition, arms control remains rare despite potential mutual benefits, and agreements vary dramatically in their approaches to monitoring. Enemies in Agreement: Political Volatility and the Design of Arms Control (Cambridge UP, 2026) reveals how uncertainty from domestic political changes, such as leadership transitions or social unrest, can enable arms control. The book identifies two paths to agreement: during periods of uncertainty, states that previously relied on informal understandings hedge by establishing lightly monitored agreements, while those that anticipated deception take calculated risks through agreements with intensive verification. Through comprehensive data analysis and rich case studies, Jane Vaynman challenges conventional wisdom about uncertainty in international relations while offering policymakers insights. As states confront challenges from nuclear competition to emerging technologies, understanding when arms control becomes viable is more vital than ever.Our guest is Professor Jane Vaynman, an Assistant Professor of Strategic Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

Why do adversaries sometimes cooperate to restrain their military competition? Why do they design arms control agreements with intrusive verification in some cases but rely on minimal transparency in others? Amidst ongoing international competition, arms control remains rare despite potential mutual benefits, and agreements vary dramatically in their approaches to monitoring. Enemies in Agreement: Political Volatility and the Design of Arms Control (Cambridge UP, 2026) reveals how uncertainty from domestic political changes, such as leadership transitions or social unrest, can enable arms control. The book identifies two paths to agreement: during periods of uncertainty, states that previously relied on informal understandings hedge by establishing lightly monitored agreements, while those that anticipated deception take calculated risks through agreements with intensive verification. Through comprehensive data analysis and rich case studies, Jane Vaynman challenges conventional wisdom about uncertainty in international relations while offering policymakers insights. As states confront challenges from nuclear competition to emerging technologies, understanding when arms control becomes viable is more vital than ever.Our guest is Professor Jane Vaynman, an Assistant Professor of Strategic Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/national-security

Why do adversaries sometimes cooperate to restrain their military competition? Why do they design arms control agreements with intrusive verification in some cases but rely on minimal transparency in others? Amidst ongoing international competition, arms control remains rare despite potential mutual benefits, and agreements vary dramatically in their approaches to monitoring. Enemies in Agreement: Political Volatility and the Design of Arms Control (Cambridge UP, 2026) reveals how uncertainty from domestic political changes, such as leadership transitions or social unrest, can enable arms control. The book identifies two paths to agreement: during periods of uncertainty, states that previously relied on informal understandings hedge by establishing lightly monitored agreements, while those that anticipated deception take calculated risks through agreements with intensive verification. Through comprehensive data analysis and rich case studies, Jane Vaynman challenges conventional wisdom about uncertainty in international relations while offering policymakers insights. As states confront challenges from nuclear competition to emerging technologies, understanding when arms control becomes viable is more vital than ever.Our guest is Professor Jane Vaynman, an Assistant Professor of Strategic Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Why do adversaries sometimes cooperate to restrain their military competition? Why do they design arms control agreements with intrusive verification in some cases but rely on minimal transparency in others? Amidst ongoing international competition, arms control remains rare despite potential mutual benefits, and agreements vary dramatically in their approaches to monitoring. Enemies in Agreement: Political Volatility and the Design of Arms Control (Cambridge UP, 2026) reveals how uncertainty from domestic political changes, such as leadership transitions or social unrest, can enable arms control. The book identifies two paths to agreement: during periods of uncertainty, states that previously relied on informal understandings hedge by establishing lightly monitored agreements, while those that anticipated deception take calculated risks through agreements with intensive verification. Through comprehensive data analysis and rich case studies, Jane Vaynman challenges conventional wisdom about uncertainty in international relations while offering policymakers insights. As states confront challenges from nuclear competition to emerging technologies, understanding when arms control becomes viable is more vital than ever.Our guest is Professor Jane Vaynman, an Assistant Professor of Strategic Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 5, the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, the New START, expired. Absent this or a similar agreement, the world is a more dangerous place—particularly given the nuclear buildup in China, proliferation and rapid evolution of military technologies, and ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Still, Rose Gottemoeller, who was the lead U.S. negotiator of the New START, remains cautiously optimistic about the future of arms control. What could lead to a revival of U.S.-Russia and international talks to contain the risks of nuclear war? And what lessons from cooperation between the two countries in areas like civilian nuclear power and space could be applicable for the future? Rose Gottemoeller's book Security Through Cooperation: Space, Nuclear Weapons, and US-Russia Relations After the Cold War can be pre-ordered here.  

Robert Joseph has spent much of his career dealing with nuclear arms and national security. He negotiated with Moammar Qaddafi to disarm Libya in 2003, ran the State Department's operations for Arms Control and International Security, and now advises the National Council of Resistance of Iran. He joins me in discussing the failure of appeasement, the necessity of Operation Epic Fury, and why the NCRI has a seat at the table when the IRGC and its regime finally implodes – if Donald Trump stays the course.

Robert Joseph has spent much of his career dealing with nuclear arms and national security. He negotiated with Moammar Qaddafi to disarm Libya in 2003, ran the State Department's operations for Arms Control and International Security, and now advises the National Council of Resistance of Iran. He joins me in discussing the failure of appeasement, the necessity of Operation Epic Fury, and why the NCRI has a seat at the table when the IRGC and its regime finally implodes – if Donald Trump stays the course.

It's an Emmajority Report Thursday on The Majority Report On today's program: Donald Trump admits that his war in Iran is violating the constitution at a fund-raising dinner where he said, "they don't like the word war because you have to get approval, so I'll just say military operation". Trump lashes out at reporting that he is desperate to find a way out of Iran and claims that Iran is begging him for a deal. Andrew Arsan, Professor of Arab and Global History at the University of Cambridge joins Emma for a conversation about his piece in Equator entitled, "Tearing up the Map - Netanyahu's War to Remake the Middle East". Ed Zitron, publisher of the Where's Your Ed At? newsletter and host of the Better Offline podcast join the program to discuss his piece "The AI Industry is Lying to You". In the Fun Half Brandon Sutton and Matt Binder join. Emerson Polling shows Graham Platner with a massive on Janet Mills as well as a solid lead over Susan Collins. Melania Trump introduces a robot meant to replace teachers and childcare providers. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security dodges questions from Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) on whether or not Israel has nuclear capabilities. Former Secretary of State under Biden, Antony Blinken is confronted by a student at an event at Harvard Law School over his role in the genocide in Palestine. Blinken responds with his usual smarmy condescension. Adam Schiff has a hilarious exchange with the child lawyer that Donald Trump nominated for the U.S. District Court in Montana. all that and more   No Kings Protests across the country this Saturday, March 28. Check out NoKings.Org to find the protest closest to you.   Check out longtime MR listener Jim Di Bartolo's new graphic novel F*ck Billionaires   To connect and organize with your local ICE rapid response team visit ICERRT.com The Congress switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. You can use this number to connect with either the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. Follow us on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors: LIQUID IV: Go to LIQUIDIV.com and use code MAJORITYREP at checkout for 20% off your first order. SUNSET LAKE: Use coupon code "Left Is Best" (all one word) for 20% off of your entire order at SunsetLakeCBD.com  Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech On Instagram: @MrBryanVokey Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com

In this fascinating interview with nuclear expert Ankit Panda we discuss the escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and its implications for global nuclear deterrence. He argues that Iran's strategy appears aimed at regionalizing the conflict across the Gulf to generate diplomatic pressure, while questioning the credibility of claims about Iran's imminent nuclear weapons capability. We discussed:How the succession to Ayatollah Khamenei's more hardline son could alter Iran's longstanding restraint on both missile ranges and nuclear weaponization.The troubling lessons other nations (particularly U.S. adversaries like North Korea) may draw from Iran's fate (nuclear weapons provide the ultimate deterrent against regime change). How both adversarial and allied proliferation dynamics are re-surging in ways unseen since the Cold War, with countries from Seoul to Stockholm reconsidering their nuclear postures. Panda critiques last year's bombing campaign as ultimately counterproductive to nonproliferation goals, leaving 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium unaccounted for and eliminating IAEA verification continuity. Despite the current trajectory, Panda maintains that any sustainable resolution to Iran's nuclear program will require diplomatic engagement—though achieving that will prove extraordinarily difficult given how recent events have validated North Korea's narrative about the risks of cooperation with the West.Bio: Ankit Panda is the Stanton Senior Fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he focuses on nuclear strategy, escalation, missiles and missile defense, space security, and US alliances. He is the author of Kim Jong Un and the Bomb: Survival and Deterrence in North Korea and Indo-Pacific Missile Arsenals: Avoiding Spirals and Mitigating Risks, and his forthcoming book is The New Nuclear Age: At the Precipice of Armageddon. His work has appeared in outlets including the New York Times, the Economist, the Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, and the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, and he serves as editor-at-large at The Diplomat, where he hosts the Asia Geopolitics podcast.

On February 5, 2026, New START, the last remaining bilateral strategic nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, officially expired, ending decades of cooperation between the two countries that aimed to make the world safer. On this episode of Talking Policy, host Lindsay Shingler sits down with Mike Albertson, a former federal employee who had a seat at the table during New START negotiations. Together, they discuss exactly what is lost following the treaty's formal expiration, the period of nuclear arms control erosion that led us here, and the prospects for future arms control agreements in a post-New START world, which now includes China as a major player.This episode was recorded on February 20, 2026. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Daryl Kimball, Tariq Rauf, and Paul Meyers are diplomats with expertise on Arms Control. They lament the refusal of Trump to renew the New START treaty, which limited the nuclear arsenals of US and Russia. Both countries now may proceed to a new arms race.

On this week's episode of Security Dilemma, co-hosts A.J. Manuzzi and John Gay discussed the state of arms control after the expiration of New START, nuclear proliferation cascades, and whether sanctions can prevent nuclear proliferation with Dr. Ariel Petrovics. Dr. Petrovics is a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a visiting scholar at the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies, and a research associate at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. She is also the co-editor of Atomic Backfires: When Nuclear Policies Fail, a new open-access volume that listeners can read here (https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-edited-volume/6076/Atomic-BackfiresWhen-Nuclear-Policies-Fail).Read her Quincy Institute brief on the challenges and opportunities for superpower nuclear cooperation here: https://quincyinst.org/research/prospects-and-problems-for-reinvigorating-superpower-nuclear-cooperation/You can check out her Foreign Policy article on New START here: https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/01/23/us-russia-trump-putin-nuclear-arms-control-treaty-new-start-extension/Listener Questions: We are opening up Security Dilemma to listener-submitted questions. Submit questions you'd like us to ask future guests ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ouD8WAp0g_HhqLtGm4kOmqTGsJpDbaKT7CSUN3ogFrk/edit⁠⁠⁠. Please specify the episode pertaining to the question in your response. Upcoming recordings include: AMA- John Gay and A.J. ManuzziJQAS Discusses the Marcellus PapersWhat Realism's Critics Get Wrong with Patrick Porter

This episode of the International Risk Podcast explores hypersonic missiles through the lens of global strategy, defense policy, and international security. Host Dominic Bowen interviews Dr. Jacob Parakilas from Rand Europe about what makes hypersonic weapons strategically significant beyond their speed.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Conducttr offers crisis exercising software for corporates, consultants, humanitarian, and defence & security clients. Visit Conducttr to learn more.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today's business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our updates!Tell us what you liked!

Eric and Eliot begin with a buffet of administration jackassery before pivoting to a preview of the Munich Security Conference. They discuss Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Bridge Colby's remarks, as well as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's speech highlighting the importance of transatlantic ties. They also examine the New START treaty's recent lapse and the future of arms control, the prospect for additional U.S. strikes on Iran, and the apparent shutdown of Russian Starlink terminals. They conclude with a discussion of the ongoing international fallout from the Epstein affair and his many unexplained Russian connections.Eric and Frank Miller's Latest on New START:https://thedispatch.com/article/new-start-expiration-russia-united-states-nuclear-program/Eric and Frank Miller on NATO:https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/01/natos-not-dead/Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

The New START treaty, signed by the United States and Russia in 2010, limited both countries to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads, placed restrictions on how those weapons could be deployed, and included strong verification mechanisms to ensure compliance. On February 6, 2026, that treaty formally expired. And now, for the first time in decades, there is no bilateral nuclear arms agreement between the world's two foremost nuclear powers. Joining me today to discuss the implications of the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is Corey Hinderstein, Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. We kick off by discussing how New START built on previous arms control treaties between the United States and Russia, what it means that no such treaty now exists—and why China's rapid nuclear buildup adds a vexing new challenge to future arms control efforts. There are very few media outlets these days that consistently cover nuclear security issues, despite the existential risks posed by nuclear weapons. I'm glad to bring you this episode. If you care about the future of humanity and want to help me continue producing thoughtful conversations like this, please become a paid subscriber. I'm running a subscription drive this month—and believe me when I say every single new paid subscriber makes a real difference. https://www.globaldispatches.org/40PercentOff 

Guest: Jack Burnham. Burnham reports on a secret 2020 Chinese nuclear test, their expanding nuclear triad, and Beijing's refusal to engage in arms control negotiations with Washington.

The last remaining US-Russia nuclear arms control agreement has expired, which means for the first time in decades, we're in a world with no active nuclear arms control.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4aeIJfH

Guests: Gordon Chang and Peter Huessy. China reportedly conducted secret underground nuclear tests to develop battlefield weapons for coercion, ignoring arms control treaties while the U.S. struggles to modernize its own deterrents.1954

Listen to the article with analysis from the author

Listen to the article with analysis from the author:  The Kremlin said US and Russian officials agreed that talks to establish a new nuclear arms control agreement must begin as soon as possible. Last week, the New START Treaty, the last remaining bilateral nuclear agreement, expired.  “There is an understanding, and they talked about it in Abu Dhabi, that both parties will take responsible positions and both parties realize the need to start talks on the issue as soon as possible,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday. The issue was discussed by US and Russian officials last week in the UAE. The US is currently mediating talks between Russia and Ukraine in the Emirates.  A new bilateral agreement is needed, as there are no longer any treaties restricting the strategic weapons programs of the two nuclear superpowers. Both Washington and Moscow are upgrading their strategic arsenals.  Before the New Start Treaty expired last week, Russia proposed a one-year extension of the pact to give the two sides more time to negotiate a new agreement. However, the US failed to respond to the Russian proposal. Additionally, President Donald Trump claimed the New START Treaty was a bad deal for the US.  “Rather than extend ‘NEW START' (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future,” Trump posted Thursday on  Truth Social.  Axios reported last week that Washington and Moscow had agreed informally to continue complying with the New START restrictions for six months. Peskov dismissed the idea that an informal agreement could work.  “Obviously, its provisions can only be extended in a formal way,” Peskov said. “It’s hard to imagine any informal extension in this sphere.”

Henry Sokolski of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center warns of unregulated weaponry following the New START treaty's expiration, including Russian intermediate missiles and orbital threats complicating future arms control negotiations.JULY 1945

How the Pentagon is facilitating the rapid expansion "ghost network" concentration camps in America. Why arms control is dying and what to make of the New START Treaty's expiration. Jeff Bezos has effectively killed The Washington Post--what's next? Why neoconsevative foreign policy hawks still run Washington. And the importance of Gary Stevenson's story in The Trading Game for understanding the decline of empire. Van Jackson, Julia Gledhill, and Matt Duss cover all that and more in the latest episode. Subscribe to the Un-Diplomatic Newsletter: https://www.un-diplomatic.com/ Watch Un-Diplomatic Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@un-diplomaticpodcast Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the individuals and not of any institutions.

For more than five decades, nuclear arms control treaties were enforced between Russia and the US until this week. The last agreement has been allowed to lapse without a new one to replace it. So, why has this happened, and what are the dangers? In this episode: Thomas Countryman, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Non-Proliferation under the Obama administration Rebecca E Johnson, Co-founder and first President of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Nikolai Sokov, Senior Fellow at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The last remaining US-Russia nuclear arms control treaty, New START, expires today, leaving the world's two largest nuclear arsenals without legal limits on nukes for the first time in over half a century. Also, famine conditions spread across Sudan's Darfur region. And, understanding Australia's gun ownership and hate law reforms after the Bondi Beach shooting. Plus, we visit the small Scottish island where all of the Olympic curling stones come from. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

From Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security to founding Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security (WCAPS), Amb. Bonnie Jenkins has led a life and career of service.  In this conversation with Jackson School Director Danny Hoffman and Gates Foundation senior program officer, and former foreign service officer, Heather Hwalek, Amb. Jenkins explores the values and the structures that are required to support a diverse and effective diplomatic corps. Photo L to R: Amb. Bonnie Jenkins and Heather Hwalek

William Alberque, former director of NATO's Arms Control, Disamament and WMD Non-Proliferation Centre, on the future of the bloc amid tensions between Europe and the United States over Greenland.

Germany's Bold Moves in Space Defense: A Comprehensive Review with PD Dr Antje NoetzoldIn this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening interviews PD Dr Antje Noetzold, about Germany's significant shifts in space defense and security policies in 2025. They discuss Germany's constitutional changes allowing for increased space defense spending, implications of U.S. geopolitical moves, and emerging European space strategies. The conversation highlights Germany's ambitious 35 billion Euro commitment to space defense by 2030, the challenges and strategies for Europe to reduce dependency on the U.S., and the need for European coordination and accepted leadership in space security. Tune in to understand the evolving landscape of space politics and defense in Europe.Dr Antje Nötzold is a Senior Researcher in the Project “Support for Arms Control in Space (SACS)” at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich and a Private Lecturer at the Departement of International Relations at Chemnitz University of Technology. She is also a Non-Resident Fellow at the American German Institute (AGI) at Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC, an Associate Fellow at CASSIS (Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies) at the University Bonn, a member of the SichTRaum (Security and Technology in Space) research network and Vice President of the Germany-wide Gesellschaft für Sicherheitspolitik (Society for Security Policy). We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love lettersSupport the showYou can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

New START, the last bilateral nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, will expire in February 2026 if Washington and Moscow do not reach an understanding on its extension—as they have signaled they are interested to do. What would the end of New START mean for U.S.-Russia relations and the arms control architecture that had for decades contributed to stability among great powers?Lawfare Public Service Fellow Ariane Tabatabai sits down with John Drennan, Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellow in European Security, at the Council on Foreign Relations, and Matthew Sharp, Fellow at MIT's Center for Nuclear Security Policy, to discuss what New START is, the implications of its expiration, and where the arms control regime might go from here.For further reading, see:“Putin's Nuclear Offer: How to Navigate a New START Extension,” by John Drennan and Erin D. Dumbacher, Council on Foreign Relations“No New START: Renewing the U.S.-Russian Deal Won't Solve Today's Nuclear Dilemmas,” by Eric S. Edelman and Franklin C. Miller, Foreign Affairs“2024 Report to Congress on Implementation of the New START Treaty,” from the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, U.S. Department of StateTo receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is Ziad AbuZayyad, co-founder and editor of Palestine-Israel Journal, a former Palestinian Authority minister, former Chair of Law and Constitution in the Palestinian Parliament, and a negotiator in the post-Oslo Accords Cairo negotiations which led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority. In this episode, Alon and Ziad discuss the war on Gaza and its devastating impacts, the current situation in the West Bank and the interconnectedness of the two scenarios in the West Bank and Gaza, and the various prospects of moving forward toward a solution that respects Palestinian and Israeli sovereignties, and how to address those challenges. Full Bio ZIAD ABUZAYYAD is the Co-Founder and Editor of Palestine Israel Journal (www.pij.org). He is a former PA minister (1998 – 2002), former legislator and Chair of Law and Constitution in the Palestinian Parliament (1996 – 2006). AbuZayyad was the Head of the Palestinian Delegation to the multilateral talks on Arms Control and Regional Security (ACRS), and a negotiator in post Oslo Accords Cairo negotiations which led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority. AbuZayyad was the first representative of the Palestinian Parliament to the Council of Europe, participated in numerous conferences on the Middle East, and is frequently interviewed by local and international media on the political situation. He is a weekly columnist of al-Quds Arabic Daily. He is a lawyer graduate of Damascus University, and Member of the Palestinian Bar Association.

A white paper on China's arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation describes the country's constructive role and highlights its initiatives for a peaceful world (01:02). Rescuers and residents in Hong Kong are offering aid after a deadly fire at a residential complex (12:21). And products for the elderly and consumer electronics are at the heart of China's planned "trillion-yuan-level" consumption sectors (15:35).

① We take a look at a new white paper on China's arms control and how it tells us about China's commitment to safeguarding world peace and security. (00:54) ② Japan's Sanae Takaichi says that, under the so-called “San Francisco Peace Treaty”, Japan is not in a position to determine or recognize the legal status of Taiwan. Why is this remark erroneous? (15:22) ③ Donald Trump has signed an executive order launching a sweeping plan to supercharge America's artificial intelligence development. We explore the ambitions and prospects of the plan. (25:47) ④ China has lodged protests with the US over its move that restricts visas for Central American officials with ties to Beijing. Should visas be turned into political leverage? (36:37) ⑤ Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau announce that they have seized power after a contested presidential election. What are the key factors behind the country's long history of political turmoil? (46:53)

William Alberque, Director of Strategy Technology and Arms Control, International Institute for Strategic Studies, reacts to Donald Trump's announcement that the US will resume nuclear testing.

Russia Tests Nuclear Missile Amid Tough Winter and Increased US Sanctions. John Hardie analyzes Russia's reported successful test of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile. This test is likely aimed at pressuring the US into arms control talks, rather than impacting the Ukraine battlefield. On the ground, the situation in Pokrovsk has deteriorated due to Russian infiltration. The US has shifted from diplomacy to pressure, imposing sanctions on major Russian oil companies. 1957

The world grows darker by the day. Today, we'll discuss the new so-called “peace deal” in the Middle East, reveal even more about who I believe is behind Charlie Kirk's assassination (the Israeli government), and go deeper into Taylor Swift's evil OnlyFans era.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

More than three years into Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, our European allies are reconsidering whether or not frozen Russian assets, totaling $300 billion on the continent, can be used to help Ukraine. As part of a broader brought about by the Trump Administration, Western countries are finally prepared to act in concert to overcome financial concerns, investment retaliation, and collective action challenges in supporting Ukraine. In addition, the Cuba-oriented Helms-Burton Act provides useful precedent for the options on the table to further pressure the Russian economy. With the noose tightening via proposed oil sanctions, potential Tomahawk missiles, and mobilized transatlantic support for Ukraine, what choices does Putin have left? Will he be forced to face the music? And what will ultimately bring him to the negotiating table?Stephen Rademaker currently serves as Senior of Counsel at Covington and Burling LLP, helping clients navigate international policy, sanctions, and CFIUS challenges. With over 20 years of experience working on national security issues in the White House, the State Department, and the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Stephen served as an Assistant Secretary of State from 2002 through 2006 and headed three bureaus of the State Department, including the Bureau of Arms Control and the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. Read the transcript here.Subscribe to our Substack here.

 John Batchelor 09-03 segment 6.mp3 Guests: Gordon Chang and Peter Huessy, President of Geostrategic Analysis, a fellow at the National Institute for Deterrent Studies. China's Nuclear Ambitions and Arms Control Challenges Peter Huessy describes China's nuclear weapons as tools for coercion and hegemonic goals, a stark contrast to the US view of deterrence. He notes China's rapid nuclear buildup, exceeding Soviet Union rates during the Cold War. Huessy and Gordon Chang discuss the imminent expiration of the New Start treaty with Russia and the absence of arms control talks with China, which has historically aided proliferation. This signals a "brave new world" with zero legal restraint on nuclear weapons. 1917 PEKING YMCA

James Waterhouse, BBC News Ukraine Correspondent, looks ahead to the meeting of US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Philip Crowther, International Affiliate Correspondent with AP, reports from Alaska ahead of the highly-anticipated summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

In this episode, Adam interviews Pranay Vaddi, who shares his experiences working at the National Security Council (NSC) and his insights into nuclear policy and arms control. Vaddi discusses the daily operations at the NSC, the challenges of elevating nuclear issues within the government, and the importance of collaboration among various agencies. He also reflects on the evolution of the NSC, the dynamics of working within the bureaucracy, and the demanding nature of the job. Vaddi emphasizes the need for future leaders to engage in discussions and share their ideas to address pressing national security challenges.Pranay Vaddi is currently a Senior Nuclear Fellow in the Center for Nuclear Security Policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From May 2022 to January 2025, he served as Special Assistant to President Biden and Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation at the National Security Council. Prior to this, he served as a senior advisor in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance at the Department of State, where coordinated the Department's inputs for the Biden Nuclear Posture Review. Previously, he was a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where his research focused on U.S. nuclear posture, arms control policy, and Congress' role in arms control. He served for several years at the U.S. Department of State coordinating policy on the New START and INF treaties, and joined numerous arms control delegations. He has testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and before the congressional U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Sometimes it's good to back up and ask the basic questions: How do we know Iran was even developing nuclear weapons?On this episode of the show, the Arms Control Wonk Jeffrey Lewis walks us through the history of the Iranian nuclear (weapons and energy) program. It's got it all: diplomacy, assassinations, cowardly politicians, and uranium fever.Lewis is a professor at the Middlebury Institute, member of the National Academies Committee on International Security and Arms Control, and former member of the State Department's International Security Advisory Board. He knows the tale well and he's here to tell it straight.Damning the strikes with faint praise.“The hard part of a nuclear weapon is not the explodey part.”Making a nuclear weapon is a solved problem.The Iran-Iraq war and the origins of Iran's nuclear weapons programThe ladders of Natanz, how they cascade downEnergy programs are always bigger than weapons programs.Unmasking the International Atomic Energy AgencyIsrael's war on the programHow to enrich uraniumThe “torturous” process behind the Iran dealCongressional cowards“A new generation of suckers”The French movie goodbyeThe DealSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The primary goal of Israeli and American attacks on Iran was to remove the country's "existential" nuclear threat. But what if the attacks have the opposite effect, motivating the Iran to pull of the non-proliferation treaty and resume their nuclear program covertly? In parliament, Iranian lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. This means that Iran would halt inspections, reporting and oversight activities. Iran always insisted its nuclear program is peaceful. For some perspective, we bring you Christiane's 1995 report on her visit to Iran's earliest nuclear power plant in Bushehr.   Also on today's show: Gary Samore, former White House Coordinator for Arms Control; Elaine Sciolino, author of "Adventures in the Louvre"; Mark Henson, Dir. of Federal Advocacy and Government Affairs, The Trevor Project  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PREVIEW: Colleague Anatol Lieven of Quincy Institute looks beyond Ukraine to nuclear arms control by US, Russia, and perhaps Beijing. More later. 1942